My Favorite Podcasts Hosted by Asian Americans

We all know that cover photo is a lie, I never listen to podcasts in such an aesthetically pleasing manner. I’m normally listening while stuck in LA’s unbearable traffic or on the toilet.

Anyway…. while I am a podcast fiend, I’ve only recently noticed the lack of diversity in my own podcast library. So for the past few weeks during Asian American Heritage month, I began seeking out more podcasts hosted by Asian Americans to see what content I’ve been missing out on. Below are my favorite finds.

Calling Justice

Hosted by writer, documentary filmmaker, activist and all-around badass Sahra Vang Nguyen, “Calling Justice” centers around discussions with Asian American activists and organizers who are making waves. “Calling Justice” explores how we define justice, racial equity, and intersectionality while bringing visibility to today’s current events such as the mass deportation of Vietnamese Americans. Sahra’s conversations highlights the progressive Asian American community while giving credit to the many activists in the movement who are so easily overlooked. Check out her podcast or suggest someone you think should be featured here.

Project Voice

Originally intended to be a video series to showcase Asian American diversity, Jessica Nguyen found that many people were still uncomfortable talking on camera about these narratives. Instead, she launched “Project Voice”, a podcast which works to dispel sterotypes and stigmas about the API community through conversations with Asian and Asian American women. “Project Voice” is one of the most intersectional podcasts I’ve found on Asian American identity, addressing issues such as perspectives on growing up a mixed race Asian American and queer acceptance in the API community. You can learn more about Project Voice here.

Asian, Not Asian

If you’re looking for something a little lighter, check out “Asian, Not Asian” by Fumi Abe and Mic Nguyen. These two stand up comedians crack jokes about all the things that make API culture so unique, with the attitude of Eddie Huang and the humor of Ronny Chieng. They can also get honest about Asian masculinity and what it’s like dating as an Asian guy. Laugh along with them and subscribe right here.

You Can Tell Me Anything

There’s something about Teresa Lee’s soothing voice and fun-loving personality that makes you feel like you could confess your soul to her. Maybe that’s why people do. On her hilarious podcast, “You Can Tell Me Anything”, comedians admit weird things about themselves they’ve never told anyone else from the odd (Kate Willett’s obsession with joining a cult) to the serious (journeys to sobriety). If you have anything to get off your chest, you can confess to Teresa. Listen and subscribe to “You Can Tell Me Anything” here.

We’re Not All Ninjas

While #OscarsSoWhite made a big splash several years ago, highlighting the lack of diversity on screen, what’s often less considered is the lack of diversity of the critics judging these movies. A recent USC study found 82% of film critics were white, raising questions about biases and ignored perspectives in film criticism. As a mini film nerd, I was naturally drawn to “We’re Not All Ninjas” where Melissa Slaughter, Rachel Liu, and Alex Chester review recent movies focused on Asian American representation (or lack thereof). If you fangirl over Kelly Marie Tran and are still irritated about Scarlett Johansson in Ghost in the Shell, this is the podcast for you. Check them out here.

These are just a few of my favorite podcasts hosted by Asian Americans. Have any others that I missed or new ones to suggest? Let me know in the comments below!